Front wheel location

[Jimmer]

I'm working my way through an assortment of issues and having had the head gasket done, I thought most of my troubles were over. I've just realised that I could have far bigger problems though. To be honest, I noticed something was awry a while back when I took the picture below, but due to all the other concerns at the time, I guess I let this slip to the back of my mind.

Front left.JPG

The bonnet and wings don't line up well which has lead me to believe the front left corner is slightly lower than the right. More concerning though is that the front left wheel sits a good inch further back in the wheel arch than the front right (which is perfectly central).
I took the car for an inspection and alignment soon after buying it. They were certain that it hadn't been in an accident and didn't pick up on any problems. Like most "mechanics" out here they probably can't tell their arse from their elbow so that's nothing to go on.
When I first inspected the car before buying it, I took care to check for misalignment, I even carefully studied the photos I took at the time. I don't know how I missed it. I've been under the car many times and never noticed any repair work. The car was resprayed a few years ago by an outfit that can repair fibre glass. If it has been repaired, they did a good job on the body.
Anyway, as most of you know, this is my first real project car so an issue like this feels way beyond my ablities. I'm going to buy a decent tape and check the chassis dimensions against the service notes during the week when I can.
As always, any pointers most welcome. This place is a speed hump hell-hole, so there's a possible cause of front impact. There's also a very good chance that the car has been badly jacked during it's life.

[ektrolleyboy]

I can confirm that your car has not been repaired in recent years and wasn't repaired at the time of the respray. I saw it prior to the work done in Dubai... The car's been all over the world so anything could have happened during its life, but it's probably just a suspension issue I'd imagine... As you well know, this car was neglected somewhat by its last owner/s.

[RayD]

As always, any pointers most welcome.

It sounds as if you will do this anyway but ... be more concerned about the wheel measurements rather than how they lie in relation to the bodywork.

Check the measurement between the centres of the wheels down each side to see how they compare.

Project a chalk mark down onto the garage floor to represent the centre line of the outer edge of each wheel, then move the car and check the diagonal measurement to identify if they form a perfect rectangle.

Ray

[Jimmer]

Gentlemen,
Great advice, and peace of mind.


I've the feeling I may have glimpsed the elusive EK between MNL & DXB on the 16th May.

[ektrolleyboy]

On the 16th May, I was on a morning flight to Birmingham to play with my ELAN for a week...

So it wasn't me you thought you'd spotted, but why would you think that anyway?

[bobbrown]

That looks a bit close to the rear of the arch to me.
As a quick check the wheels front to back should be 2250mm apart, with a track left to right 1486mm.
A standard tape measure will at least give you an idea if it is out but you will need to make sure the front wheels are pointing directly ahead. Just get mate to hold the tape on say the edge of the center cap and measure to the same position on the other wheel.

Bob

[Monty]

Yeah, certainly something isn`t right

Is the A panel (the bit with the side indicator) lined up correctly with the wheel arch? as these are known to move?

[bobbrown]

I do not think the A panel has moved other wise the door shut line would be all wrong and it does not look that bad.
On 205 50 15 tyres I get about 50mm from tyre to A panel.

Bob

[kmckmc]

caster adjustment?

[bobbrown]

I doubtful if caster is the cause of the wheel being that far back, 1"?.......
Have you had a chance to measure it front to rear on either side?

Bob

[Jimmer]

The front is up on jacks right now but I just measured the following:
Left side 2238mm, right side 2250mm.
So as predicted, the right is spot on and the left isn't. 1/2" is better than 1", but still not good!
I'll measure the chassis at the weekend to check for twist.

[bobbrown]

I would take a good look at the suspension on that side it may have had a knock (large pot hole) and bent something....

Bob

[max and andy]

Why would it look loads more then half inch?

[bobbrown]

wheel turned slightly from the ahead position can give that effect

Bob